Prosecuting counsel, Tom O’Connell, opened the case before a jury on Wednesday in Ireland, saying that this is a case of “assault manslaughter” and that the prosecution say there is no element of self-defense.

Connors is deaf and does not speak so will require the use of sign language interpreters throughout the trial.

Media outlets in Ireland reported that at around 5.30 in the evening on Dawson Street in the city center, Connors punched Dudley, either to the head or to the chest. He said this caused him to fall backwards and underneath a bus which was traveling into the city center.

The left rear wheel went over Dudley’s head, neck and chest area, killing him instantly.

Counsel said that the accused did not intend to kill Dudley, but that he would still be alive if Connors didn’t punch him.

The jury viewed extensive CCTV footage showing the moments the victim was run over and killed by the Dublin bus.

Dudley died almost instantly from “catastrophic and traumatic injuries” after going under the left rear wheel of the bus.

Connors’ friend Mark Moore was also at the scene and he told the jury that he saw the accused hit Mr Dudley before running away towards Grafton Street.